Landscaping & Hardscaping in Memorial, Houston, TX
Wooded Lots, High Water Tables, One Crew That Knows BothThe Memorial area sits in west Houston between Interstate 10 and Buffalo Bayou. It is not a separate city. It is a group of leafy neighborhoods inside the City of Houston, places like Nottingham Forest, Wilchester, Memorial Bend, Frostwood, and Memorial Drive Acres. Tall pines and old oaks shade the streets, and the bayou runs right along the south edge. That mix of deep shade and nearby water shapes every yard here. Houston Landscape Images is a family owned landscaping company. We have done design and build work across Houston for more than 30 years. We hold a 4.9 star rating across 73 Google reviews. We travel to you, walk the lot in person, and build a plan made for a shaded, flood aware Memorial property.
Why Doing It Right Matters in Memorial
The 2017 Reservoir Releases Are Still on People's Minds
During Hurricane Harvey, the Army Corps released Addicks and Barker reservoir water down Buffalo Bayou. Neighborhoods like Nottingham Forest and Westchester flooded. We grade and drain with that history in mind, moving water away from the house.
Deep Shade Changes What Grows
Memorial's pine and oak canopy blocks a lot of sun. We pick shade tolerant sod and plants that actually hold up under big trees, instead of grass that thins out and dies back.
Black Gumbo Clay Holds Water
West Houston sits on heavy black gumbo clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Smart grading and drainage protect your foundation, your beds, and your hardscape from that constant shift.
Mature Trees Need Real Care
The trees are why people love these streets. We trim, thin, and remove carefully, and we plant and build around root zones so the canopy stays healthy for years.
Lots Sit at Different Elevations
Yards that back up to Buffalo Bayou or Terry Hershey Park sit lower than the road. We plan grading and drainage so heavy Houston rain runs to the street, not toward your slab.
Professional Landscaping & Hardscaping in Memorial, Houston
Most of Memorial was built out in the 1950s and 1960s. Mid century ranch and modern homes sit on large wooded lots. The City of Houston annexed these neighborhoods over the decades that followed. Today a lot of those homes are being updated or torn down and rebuilt. So yards often need a fresh start. We begin every job on site. We walk the lot, study the canopy, find the low spots, and see how water moves toward the bayou. From there we build a design that fits your land alone. We use methods proven on Houston clay and shade. It may be an original ranch in Memorial Bend or a new build off Gessner or Dairy Ashford. The rule stays the same: the plan has to handle the trees, the clay, and the water first.
Who We Serve in Memorial, Houston
Memorial is almost all homes, from updated mid century ranches to large new custom builds on wooded lots. We work with homeowners, builders, and property managers across the area, from Nottingham Forest to Frostwood to Memorial Drive Acres.
Here are the Memorial clients and properties we serve:
- Mid Century Ranch Homes: Updated beds, sod, and hardscape that suit an older home and a shaded lot.
- New Custom Builds & Teardown Rebuilds: Full landscapes and drainage for fresh construction that needs the yard finished.
- Flood Recovery Properties: Regrading, drainage, and replanting for homes still recovering from past flooding.
- Builders & Property Managers: Reliable design and build crews for projects across the Memorial neighborhoods.
Top Landscaping & Hardscaping Services in Memorial
Memorial jobs usually begin with landscaping basics: drainage, tree work, and shade-tolerant sod. From there we add hardscaping like drives and walls, and outdoor living spaces made for a shaded backyard.
Yard Drainage & Regrading for Flood Aware Lots
Buffalo Bayou runs along the south edge, and the 2017 reservoir releases are still fresh. So drainage is the first thing we look at in Memorial. We install French drains, catch basins, and proper grading to pull storm water off the lot and away from the foundation. On lower yards near the bayou or Terry Hershey Park, that work matters most.
Tree Trimming & Removal Under the Canopy
Memorial's tall pines and oaks are the whole look, so tree work here is careful work. We shape and thin mature trees and clear dead wood. We handle removals and stump grinding when a tree has to come out. The goal is a healthy canopy that still lets light reach the beds below.
Shade Tolerant Sod for Memorial Lawns
Sun loving grass struggles under a heavy canopy. We install St. Augustine sod and other shade tolerant turf that holds up in Memorial's filtered light. We prep the gumbo clay base first so the lawn roots in and drains, instead of sitting wet and turning to mud.
Planting & Garden Design for Shaded Beds
We build plant beds with shade friendly choices that thrive under pines and oaks. Beds get amended soil, clean borders, and irrigation lines so they look full year round. On a wooded Memorial lot, the right layered planting makes the trees feel like part of the design.
Landscape Design for Wooded Lots
A large lot under a canopy needs a real plan, not a template. We handle landscape design that uses the shade, frames the home, and routes water away from the slab. For a teardown rebuild, we start the yard from scratch and tie the new design to the home and the trees you are keeping.
Patios & Patio Covers for Memorial Backyards
Shaded backyards are made for outdoor living. We build paver, stone, and poured concrete patios, plus patio covers that tie into your roofline and stand up to Houston heat, humidity, and storms. We set them on a solid base with proper joints so they stay level on shifting clay.
Landscape Lighting for Forested Properties
Low voltage lighting does its best work under a thick canopy. We uplight big trunks, wash the canopy, and line drives and paths for safe, warm evenings. On a wooded Memorial lot, good lighting turns the trees into the feature after dark.
Driveways, Walkways & Retaining Walls
Older Memorial lots often need solid drives, paths, and grade control. We pour concrete driveways and sidewalks, lay flagstone and paver walkways, and build retaining walls that hold back clay and shape a sloped yard. Each one is set so water keeps moving toward the street.
Why Good Landscaping Pays Off in Memorial, Houston
In a place known for big trees and quiet, wooded streets, the grounds carry a lot of weight. A landscape that respects the canopy, drains well, and sits at the right grade gives you real day to day value: cooler shaded living space, a yard that handles heavy rain, and curb appeal that fits the neighborhood. Skip the drainage or the grading and you pay for it later. You get standing water, stressed grass, and a yard that works against the house when storms roll in.
Memorial's conditions are specific, and we build for them on every job. Black gumbo clay shifts and holds water. The canopy limits what will grow. After Harvey, Buffalo Bayou and the reservoirs to the west are part of the story here. We grade carefully, plant for shade, amend the clay for beds, and build hardscape on solid bases. That is how a Memorial property stays both good looking and functional through Houston's wet springs and long, hot summers.
Why Memorial Chooses HLI
4.9 Stars Across 73 Reviews
Our work holds a 4.9 star rating across 73 Google reviews. That record comes from doing careful, lasting work, project after project.
30+ Years in Houston
We have designed and built landscapes around Houston for more than 30 years. We know how this clay moves, how shade limits a lawn, and how water behaves near Buffalo Bayou.
Family Owned & Operated
We are a family owned and operated team that runs your project from the first walkthrough to final cleanup. You deal with the people doing the work, not a call center.
Local Knowledge That Shows
We know Memorial's wooded subdivisions, its gumbo clay, the Spring Branch ISD streets, and the drainage demands near the bayou. That knowledge goes into every design and build.
Site First, Always
Every job starts on your lot. We map the trees, the low spots, the soil, and the drainage before we design, so the plan fits your land and performs the way it should.
Also Serving Areas Near Memorial
Our crew also works in the neighborhoods around Memorial. Browse all the Houston-area communities we serve, or start with these nearby pages.
- Landscaping in Bunker Hill Village, TX Careful work under tall pines on large wooded lots.
- Landscaping in Hunters Creek Village, TX Retaining walls and erosion control on sloped lots.
- Landscaping in Piney Point Village, TX Master-planned grounds for acre-size estate lots.
- Landscaping in Spring Branch, Houston Refreshes for ranch-home yards and new townhome lots.
- Landscaping in Katy, TX Design and hardscape for Cinco Ranch and newer Katy builds.
Transform Your Memorial Property with HLI
Your wooded lot and shaded streets are the reason you live here. We help you make the most of them with landscaping and hardscaping that honors the trees, handles the clay, and moves water the right way. The result is an outdoor space that looks right at home in Memorial and holds up through Houston's seasons.
Get a Free On-Site Estimate
Ready to start? We will come to your Memorial property, walk the lot with you, talk through your goals, and give you a clear estimate. No cost and no pressure. Call us or reach out online to set it up.
Schedule a ConsultationServices

- Landscaping
- Landscape Design
- Planting & Garden Design
- Turf & Putting Greens
- Sod
- Tree Trimming & Removal
- Hardscaping
- Patio Covers
- Concrete Overlay
- Driveways & Sidewalks
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Pathways & Walkways
- Borders & Retaining Walls
- Patios
- Fire & Water Features
- Drainage & Irrigation
- Drainage & Irrigation
- Wood Work
- Pergolas & Gazebos
- Lighting
- Landscape Lighting
- ★★★★★
We recently hired Houston Landscape Images to install a few projects at our home: concrete driveway extension, cedar fence/gate replacement, subsurface drainage extension, exterior door added into brick wall. They did an outstanding job on all aspects of the project. Sanson was wonderful to work with, transparent on costs, and stayed in contact throughout the job. The crew was punctual, highly skilled and left the job site spotless each day. I would highly recommend Houston Landscape Images!
Coley S. - ★★★★★
Houston Landscape Images is a first-class, professional company. First start to finish everything was handled at a high standard. From images, we were given a choice of paver and retainer options. We asked about how to solve a water drainage problem, so also received an excellent solution. Work was done timely and the workmen were very experienced. The landscape looks even better than we expected. No problems of any sort.
Youqi W. - ★★★★★
I couldn’t be more pleased with the work done on my yard by Houston Landscape Images. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. Sanson Faltine, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable and professional. He took the time to lay out a thoughtful design that worked beautifully with the existing trees and took into account how sun and shade would affect the space. In addition to the landscaping, Sanson also installed a sprinkler system. With many companies, sprinkler installations can lead to issues, but Sanson made sure mine was done with precision and worked flawlessly from the start. His attention to detail and the quality of his work are truly exceptional. He communicates clearly about how to care for the landscaping once the job is done and stands behind his work — something many don’t do these days. The results are something you’ll be proud of — a yard that not only looks beautiful but truly stands out above the rest. If you’re looking to invest in both beauty and quality for your outdoor space, Houston Landscape Images, led by Sanson Faltine, is the only way to go. Highly recommend!
Debbie D. - ★★★★★
HLI is as good as it gets! The landscaping on our house was amazing when we bought it. We asked the previous owners and they referred us to HLI. They refreshed and upgraded our landscaping and installed our Christmas lights.
Bobby O. - ★★★★★
Sanson & his team did a fabulous job with my back garden landscaping project. He immediately grasped the concept and the look that I was after. I’m delighted with how it turned out; in fact we ended up adding landscaping lighting to it. Very professional, turned up on time and kept the site clean and tidy. I would recommend and we will use him again for any future projects.
Sandra A. - ★★★★★
We couldn’t be happier with the exceptional services provided by Houston Landscape Images. They have taken care of both our current and previous homes, showcasing their versatility and expertise across a wide range of services. From troubleshooting and repairing our irrigation system to installing French drains, landscaping and mulch, even setting up a basketball goal, they handle it all with professionalism and skill. Their holiday light installation and removal service has been a game-changer for us, making our holiday seasons stress-free and beautifully lit. Sanson Faltine, the owner, is incredibly responsive and genuinely committed to delivering top-notch quality service. His dedication and attention to detail are evident in every project they undertake. We highly recommend Houston Landscape Images to anyone in need of reliable, high-quality landscaping services. You won’t be disappointed!
Chris G. - ★★★★★
We have worked with Sansone and his team for over 10 years, and they have exceeded our expectations every time. From extending our patio to designing and installing an outdoor kitchen and a stunning fire pit, their work has been nothing short of exceptional. They also handled electrical hookups for our hot tub and transformed our landscaping with beautiful designs. Sansone’s team is incredibly professional, attentive to detail, and an absolute delight to work with. They listen carefully to your vision and execute it flawlessly, always delivering high-quality results. If you’re looking for a landscaping expert who combines creativity, expertise, and outstanding customer service, look no further than Sansone. We cannot recommend them enough
Jami M. - ★★★★★
I love Houston Landscape Images. We have used their services for 5+ years. They take care of our landscaping needs and for our Christmas lights. And they have never disappointed. Highly recommend!!
Ashley H.
Memorial Landscaping FAQs
What grass will grow in the shade of Memorial's pines and oaks?
St. Augustine is the most shade-tolerant warm-season grass for Houston, but it still needs about 4 to 6 hours of light a day. Under a thicker canopy, no grass will hold up well. There we swap lawn for shade beds, groundcover, or mulched paths, and we thin trees where it makes sense to let more light through.
How do I find out if my Memorial lot is in a floodplain?
Use the Harris County Flood Control District's Flood Education Mapping Tool. Enter your address to see whether your lot sits in the 100-year or 500-year floodplain. Homes near Buffalo Bayou and Terry Hershey Park should check first. Many were flooded in 2017 when the Army Corps released water from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs during Hurricane Harvey.
Can I trim the big tree by the street myself?
Not if it sits in the City of Houston right-of-way. Trees in the right-of-way need a permit from Houston Parks and Recreation's Urban Forestry group before anyone trims or removes them. Trees fully on your lot are yours to care for, though some Memorial subdivisions have deed restrictions worth checking. We handle the trimming on your side and plan beds around the rest.
